SICK AT DISNEY / UNIVERSAL TIPS!

👩 PLEASE SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF YOU NEED IT, THESE ARE JUST OUR TOP TIPS, WE ARE NOT EXPERTS IN THE FIELD OF SICKNESS! - IF IN DOUBT JUST ASK GUEST SERVICES OR USE THE EMERGENCY SERVICES AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD WHEN AT HOME! 

🎢 PARK OR DINNER RESERVATION!

• Call down to Guest Services and explain the situation and see what pixie dust they can make happen.
• Visit My Disney App review cancellation policy and procedures.
• Speak to your Travel Agent direct if they made all your bookings.
• Don't worry, this isn't the first time Disney or Universal guest services team have had to deal with this situation, it will be fine!

⏳ How long does norovirus last?

• 24–72 hours is the typical duration.
• Symptoms usually hit suddenly and include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, low fever, aches.
• Most people feel significantly better within 2–3 days, but energy can stay low for a few days after.

✔️ Tips to stay safe & recover quicker

1. Keep hydrated (the MOST important part)

Because vomiting/diarrhoea leads to fast dehydration:

• Water – sip small amounts often.
• Electrolytes – super important! Options:
• Pedialyte
• Liquid I.V.
• Gatorade or Powerade (Sugar free even better)
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
• Or if your familiar with your own favourite brand use them
• Avoid fizzy drinks, juices, and energy drinks at first — they can worsen symptoms.

2. Easy foods when ready to eat

Start once vomiting settles:

• Bananas (also saw on a social media post, blueberries were a good option!) 
• Plain bread/toast
• Crackers
• Plain rice
• Pretzels
• Soups
  (Keep it bland until your stomach settles)

3. Hygiene Tips (especially in Disney World!)

Norovirus spreads easily in crowded places:

• Wash hands with soap + warm water (hand sanitiser is NOT as effective for norovirus).
• Don’t share drinks/snacks.
• Wipe down stroller handles, trays, ride lap bars with antibacterial wipes.
• All our strollers provided are sanitised to an inch of their lives! believe me there aren't any germs when these come out to you! 
• Avoid buffets until you’re fully better.
  

4. Avoid the parks if actively sick

Disney recommends:

• Staying in your hotel room until symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
• Norovirus spreads fast, so this protects both your family and others.
• If you need some fresh air, sit by the pool in the shade for a bit and relax
• Make sure you inform the cleaning staff, they will do knocks at the door and check the room for safety precautions, so you might want to call down to guest services to inform them, don't worry they experience more often then you think.

5. Seek medical help if!

• You can’t keep fluids down for 12 hours
• You show signs of dehydration: dark pee, dizziness, dry mouth, no tears
• A child has fewer than 3 wet nappies in 24 hours
• Symptoms last longer than 3 days
• There’s blood in vomit/diarrhoea (rare)
• You just need a second opinion, call Guest Services for advise and support

💡 PARK SPECIFIC TIPS!  

• Keep electrolyte packets in your park bag.
• Bring with you any medicines you normally use at home.
• Bring extra clothes + wipes for kids.
• Know where the first aid stations are (every park has one).
• Wash hands regularly.
• Try not to touch rails when queuing! easier said than done! I know with toddlers want to touch everything.
• Leave space between you and the people in front of you! again hard when cast members are telling you to move forward, fill in all the spaces! however if you can do it, to avoid people coughing, sneezing all over you.
• If you want to wear a mask, DO IT, protect yourself
• If someone gets sick, your hotel can provide extra towels, water, and sometimes basic supplies, EVEN MEDICAL CONTACT NUMBERS.
• Guest Services experience this all the time, so although you may not, they will have the tools to help you, and will know exactly what to do, they will reassure you on the next steps, don't every worry about asking for help!.

Instacart/Target/Walmart can deliver electrolyte drinks to Disney resorts quickly use them!